Structure

The structure of First They Killed My Father is consistent and straightforward throughout the book. Each chapter, beginning with "Phnom Penh," is titled after the main theme or event that takes place within that chapter. For example, "Pa" is a chapter dedicated to recounting Pa's death and the circumstances surrounding it. Likewise, "The Youn Invasion" recounts the invasion of the Vietnamese into Cambodia, and "Gold for Chickens" recounts Ma's experience attempting to trade gold for chicken. The chapters are divided neatly and focus on one major event or theme. The month and year in which the events of each chapter take place are listed below the chapter title, so the book proceeds chronologically and the writing is neatly divided. The reader should find it easy to follow order of events, with a very minimal amount of writing escaping the present tense in order to reminisce on the...